Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB

Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a fully funded scholarship that brings talented young people from across Africa to study in Lebanon. It is part of a wider Mastercard Foundation initiative that pairs financial support with leadership development, mentoring, and community engagement, so scholars are prepared to drive change when they return home.

The program supports study at several levels, including undergraduate degrees, on-campus graduate degrees, and online graduate study. It deliberately prioritises students who are academically talented but economically disadvantaged, and it has built a strong record of inclusion: refugees make up about 20% of enrolled scholars, women make up a majority of participants, and the community spans more than 30 African nationalities. To date the AUB program has enrolled hundreds of scholars and graduated several hundred.

What sets this award apart is the support that surrounds the funding. Beyond tuition and living costs, scholars join a structured program of leadership workshops, fieldwork, and mentoring designed to build them into agents of positive change. If you are a young African leader with financial need and a record of giving back to your community, this is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available in the region.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need to be academically talented and admitted to an AUB program at the undergraduate or graduate level. The program looks for students with strong academic promise who would struggle to afford university without support, so a solid record combined with demonstrated financial need is central.

Nationality Requirements

The program is for young people from across Africa. Scholars enrolled to date represent 33 nationalities, and the program actively includes displaced and refugee students who hold African origins.

Financial Need

Selection prioritises economically disadvantaged students. Financial need is a core criterion, alongside academic talent and leadership potential, so you should be ready to document your circumstances.

Leadership & Other Requirements

The program seeks students with a commitment to giving back to their communities. A history of leadership, service, or community involvement strengthens your candidacy, since scholars are expected to take part in leadership activities and return as changemakers.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A full scholarship covering the cost of study at AUB.
• Comprehensive living support during the program.
• Leadership development activities and structured workshops.
• Fieldwork and community engagement experiences.
• Mentoring and a supportive scholar community across the cohort.
• Support pathways for undergraduate, on-campus graduate, and online graduate study.

How to Apply

1. Check the open cycle: Visit the AUB Mastercard Foundation program page to confirm whether applications are currently open and which levels are recruiting.
2. Confirm your fit: Make sure you are a young person from Africa with academic talent, financial need, and a commitment to your community.
3. Apply for AUB admission: Pursue admission to an eligible AUB undergraduate or graduate program, since the scholarship supports admitted students.
4. Complete the scholarship application: Submit the program application during the announced window, including your academic, financial, and leadership information.
5. Prepare for selection: Respond to any interviews or additional requests, and provide documents that verify your need and achievements.
6. Accept your award: If selected, confirm your place and join the scholar cohort and its leadership activities.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of admission or application to an eligible AUB program.
• Evidence of financial need.
• Personal statement describing your goals and community commitment.
• Recommendation letters from teachers or community figures.
• Proof of nationality or refugee status, as applicable.
• Proof of English proficiency, since AUB teaches in English.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The program recruits in annual cohorts, and the AUB program announces its application windows periodically rather than on a single fixed public date. Because timing is tied to admission cycles and cohort planning, the most reliable approach is to monitor the official program page and AUB admissions calendar, then apply as soon as the window opens. Plan your AUB admission application in parallel so both are ready when the scholarship cycle begins.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show clear evidence of both academic talent and genuine financial need.
• Highlight concrete leadership and community service, not just intentions.
• Connect your studies to how you plan to contribute back home after graduating.
• Apply early in the window and keep your AUB admission file moving at the same time.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for the window to close before gathering documents.
• Writing a generic statement that ignores the program's focus on community change.
• Underdocumenting financial need or leaving fields incomplete.
• Forgetting that you also need to be admissible to an AUB program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

It is a fully funded scholarship that supports academically talented young people from Africa to study at the American University of Beirut, paired with leadership development and mentoring.

Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB fully funded?

Yes. It provides a full scholarship plus comprehensive living support, leadership workshops, and fieldwork.

Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

Talented young people from across Africa, prioritising economically disadvantaged students and refugees, who are admitted to an eligible AUB program.

What degree levels does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB cover?

It supports undergraduate study, on-campus graduate study, and online graduate study.

Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB accept refugees?

Yes. The program actively includes refugees, who make up roughly 20% of enrolled scholars.

What is the deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

The program recruits in annual cohorts and announces application windows periodically. Check the official AUB program page for the current cycle.

What does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB cover beyond tuition?

It covers living costs and provides leadership development activities, workshops, fieldwork, and mentoring within a scholar community.

What documents do I need for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

Transcripts, proof of AUB admission or application, evidence of financial need, a personal statement, recommendation letters, proof of nationality or refugee status, and proof of English proficiency.

Which nationalities can apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

Young people from across Africa. Scholars to date represent 33 nationalities.

Do I need to be admitted to AUB first for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The scholarship supports students admitted to an eligible AUB program, so you should pursue admission alongside your scholarship application.

What makes a strong application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

Clear academic talent, documented financial need, and a real record of leadership and community service tied to your future plans.